A secondhand piano shop may be just what you need to keep the kids quiet this festive season

Most of Bangkok’s piano shops have decidedly English names so it comes as a surprise to discover a store calling itself Chong Piano. The shop was started 15 years ago by Somchai Keytawatanawong, who says his father, a piano tuner by profession, transmitted not just his skills but also his passion.
“Japan is the world’s biggest piano maker and its pianos are the most durable,” says the knowledgeable.  Somchai.
Germany and China are also major manufacturers of this musical instrument. Many more western countries used to be involved in piano making but rising costs have pushed European and American brands to outsource to China. The results, says Somchai, are cheaper prices but lower quality.
A used piano, he adds, costs between 60 and 70 per cent less than a few one, but even then ranges from tends of thousand baht to more than Bt1 million.
Price depends on the size and condition as well as age. The cheapest he has in stock right now is a 30yearold upright for Bt65,000 while the most expensive is a 150year grand for Bt1.3 million.
Somchai says that 90 per cent of Thai buyers know nothing about pianos. Most are parents wanting to buy an instrument for their children.
He routinely advises them to first think how much they can afford to spend, where they live  condominium, townhouse or large house  and where they are going to put the piano.
“You can’t put a grand piano in a small condo. Not only will the sound disturb the neighbours, but the transportation is difficult and expensive.”
It’s also very important to have all details about the instrument. The country of manufacture, he explains, will rate the quality since 50 per cent of the process is done by hand.
The price for a used German piano starts at Bt300,000 while one made in China is less than Bt100,000. Somchai says the best buy is a secondhand Japanese instrument, priced at around Bt100,000.
“You won’t lose money, as you’ll be able to sell it for about the same price after 10 years or so. And serious players can use their skills to make a living when they grow up. Thailand always needs piano teachers.”


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Tuning in
>> Chong Piano is on the second floor of Future Mart on Rama III Road.
>> Call (02) 291 87467, (02) 291 9827 or visit www.ChongPiano.com.